Joe Manchin Opposes NRA-Backed Bill On Concealed Guns
Jennifer Bendery – Huffington Post
WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is a self-described “law-abiding gun owner, hunter, card-carrying life member of the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment advocate.”
But on Thursday, he said he “strongly” opposes an NRA-backed bill in West Virginia that would nix permit and training requirements for people carrying concealed guns.
“I have always supported a West Virginian’s right to bear arms,” Manchin said in a statement. “Senate Bill 347 would allow a person to carry a concealed gun without a permit or requirement of safety training and that is irresponsible and dangerous to the people of West Virginia.”
The bill passed the state House earlier Thursday, and the state Senate on Wednesday. Still, Manchin said it was a bad idea.
“There is not one West Virginian whose Second Amendment rights will be infringed without this bill,” Manchin said. “In West Virginia, we believe in gun sense, which is common sense, and it only makes common sense for concealed carry applicants to receive proper training.
It is a wonder how a guy like Joe Manchin continues to hold onto his seat in the Senate. It must be a tough life talking out of both sides of your mouth all the time.
Joe, who is apparently pro-gun rights, does not believe that the Second Amendment is enough of a right to allow you to carry concealed. Instead, he believes that you need to take training classes, file a petition, pay a permit fee, and finally get licensed to do so.
Well Joe, the people of West Virginia and many others around the country soundly disagree with you. The Second Amendment does not give the right to bear arms with exceptions. Or the right to bear arms with the proper permits. Or the right to bear arms in certain places.
What is worse, is Senators Manchin parroted the very popular anti-gun talking point about “Gun Sense being common sense” as though those who oppose gun restrictions are not making common sense.
This isn’t the first time Manchin has clashed with Gun Rights advocates. Back in 2013 he led the charge for more national background checks after the Sandy Hook shooting.
Despite this, Joe continues to claim his support for gun rights. He also likes to tout that he is a lifelong member of the NRA. Perhaps the NRA needs to reconsider his membership and revoke it based on his recent actions.
